World Sickle Cell Awareness Day - 19 June

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World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is observed on 19 June each year to raise awareness of the impact of sickle cell disease (SCD) on individuals, families and communities around the world.

An Overview of the News

• It aims to raise awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD).

• Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder and is characterised by abnormal red blood cells that take on a crescent or sickle shape.

• Irregularly shaped cells can cause blockage in the blood vessels and this leads to various health complications.

• This disease affects individuals, families and communities around the world.

• This can result in organ damage, anaemia and increased susceptibility to infection.

History of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day:

• It originated from a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on 22 December 2008.

• The resolution recognized sickle cell disease as a global health concern.

• The disease mainly affects people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian origin.